Overview

The Arab-Israeli Wars: Tank Battles in the Mideast 1956-73 is a tactical-level hex-and-counter wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1977. It simulates various battles from the Suez Crisis (1956), Six-Day War (1967), and Yom Kippur War (1973). The game uses a variation of the PanzerBlitz/Panzer Leader game system, adapting it to Middle Eastern desert and canal-zone warfare. Avalon Hill rated its complexity at 8 out of 10.

Components

• 4 geomorphic hex grid maps (8” x 17” each, 250m per hex, including a special “Canal” map for Suez scenarios)
• Die-cut unit counters (Arab and Israeli forces)
• 24 scenario cards
• Combat Results Tables
• Terrain Effects Chart
• Line-of-sight rules
• Rules booklet
• Dice

Setup

1. Select a scenario from the 24 available (most based on historical battles; some hypothetical).
2. Assemble the required geomorphic map boards as specified by the scenario.
3. Deploy units on their designated hexes.
4. Prepare combat charts and scenario-specific rules.
5. One player takes Israeli forces, the other takes Arab forces.

Turn Structure

The game uses a standard alternating “I Go, You Go” sequence:

1. First player movement phase: Move units according to movement allowances and terrain costs.
2. First player combat phase: Fire at enemy units within range and line of sight.
3. Second player movement phase: Move units.
4. Second player combat phase: Fire at enemy units.

Turns continue until the scenario’s turn limit is reached.

Actions

Movement

• Units move hex-by-hex, expending movement points based on terrain.
• Desert, urban, and canal terrain all have different movement costs.
• Some units can fire while moving (at reduced effectiveness).

Combat

• Direct fire: Units fire at enemy units within range and line of sight.
• Indirect fire: Artillery units can fire at targets beyond direct line of sight.
• Combat is resolved using the Combat Results Table, comparing firepower to defense.
• Terrain provides defensive bonuses.

Special Combat Rules

• Roadblocks: Can be placed to block movement through key hexes.
• Minefields: Placed during setup; inflict damage on units moving through them.
• Electronic warfare: Affects command and control capabilities.
• Bore-sighting: Units can pre-register fire on specific hexes for improved accuracy.
• Firing while moving: Units can fire during movement at reduced accuracy.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Each scenario has specific victory conditions, typically involving:

• Controlling key terrain hexes or positions
• Destroying a certain number of enemy units
• Maintaining defensive positions for a set number of turns
• Reaching specific objectives within the turn limit

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• 24 scenarios: Most are historical, one examines “what if” variants, and two are hypothetical future battles.
• PanzerBlitz lineage: Uses the same core system as PanzerBlitz (1970) and Panzer Leader, adapted for Middle Eastern warfare.
• Canal map: A special geomorphic map represents the Suez Canal zone for canal-crossing scenarios.
• Desert warfare: Open desert terrain allows long-range engagements and rapid maneuver.
• Complexity 8: One of Avalon Hill’s more complex tactical games.
• Geomorphic maps: Maps can be combined in different configurations for different scenarios.

Player Reference

War	Year	Typical Scenarios
Suez Crisis	1956	Canal zone battles
Six-Day War	1967	Sinai, Golan Heights
Yom Kippur War	1973	Chinese Farm, Golan

Turn sequence: Player 1 Move → Player 1 Fire → Player 2 Move → Player 2 Fire

Scale: 250m per hex, tactical level